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Images: Michelle Leano © Arts SU

One of the major new projects for 2020 at Arts SU was the introduction of creative hard skill Masterclasses - these I roughly outline as being:
· A flexible art programming methodology
· Collaborative intense programmes of study and experiential learning and development
· Opportunities to work with well-regarded organisations within the art community
· Spaces to develop creative ‘hard’ skills (such as multi-channel sound or site-specific performance art)
· Moments with which to meet and work alongside industry professionals
· Workshop-based learning spread over 2 or 3 days
· Access to a community of practice
· Accessible and engaged spaces of concentrated learning
· Attainable networking

Responding to the ever growing landscape of artist projects utilising sound as a discipline of creative representation we have partnered with art production studio KitMapper and South Kiosk a specialist gallery representing moving image and sound work to provide a unique multi-channel masterclass.

Classified as the use of many speakers to create sonically rich environments. Multi-channel audio composition and installations are widely used in immersive theatre, art installations and live events.

Through this programme of workshops students worked with a 16 channel sound system within a white walled gallery space tailored to provide a diverse and rich facilitated learning experience.

Programme


Introduction to multi-channel sound work Wednesday 22nd January: 10.30am - 5.30pm



  • Intro to multi-channel sound, theory and practical applications including demonstration of the hardware such as speakers, amps and audio interfaces
  • Introduction to software such as: Reaper, Ableton, Max MSP, Supercollider, Logic
  • Introduction into some of the workflow required to place sound into a multichannel system
  • Networking and ability to meet other students working with sound across UAL

Sound sessions (Sunday afternoons - Sunday 26th January, 2nd and 9th Feb)



South Kiosk ran artist sound sessions as part of their programme “On the face of it, at the heart of it."
As part of the programme South Kiosk was open every Sunday with a different artist taking over the 16 channel sound system for an afternoon, utilising and adapting the system according to their practice.
  • Students had the opportunity to hear about their creative process and what they are presenting at their respective sound showcase
  • Gained hands on experience assisting with the setup of the artist sound sessions
  • Received a best practice guide to exhibition promotion
  • Gained on the job learning in the lead up to the Sound Session

Participating practices; Anne Duffau and Matt Carter, Vivienne Griffin, Barnaby Kass

Multi-channel sound showcase (weekday evenings – 5th and 6th February)



Participants were invited to showcase the work they have made for the multi-channel system in a crit session. These crits featured artists and industry experts alongside South Kiosk / KitMapper Director Dave Charlesworth to provide feedback on the sound works that had been produced.
  • Showcase day 1 – Wednesday 5th February
  • Showcase day 2 – Thursday 6th February

How students applied and who we looked for:



  • We looked for students who wish to further their understanding of sound conceptually, theoretcially and practically
  • Who wished to gain direct experience alongside sound and sonic artists
  • Who are open-minded, keen to learn and have an interest in developing new work or reflecting on current work

KitMapper Masterclass artwork © KitMapper / South Kiosk


KitMapper / South Kiosk credits:
This programme could not have happened without the support, vision and understanding of staff at both KitMapper and South Kiosk - primarily KitMapper CEO and founder and South Kiosk co-founder Dave Charlesworth

This was also made possible through the educational facilitation & artistic understanding and criticality of: